Advice Is My Mom's 2008 Ford Escape Ready for a Long Road Trip?

  • Thread starter Graceful Gibbon
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Graceful Gibbon

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I'm here to ask for some advice regarding my mom's car as she's thinking about taking it on a 700-mile road trip this winter. It's a 2008 Ford Escape SUV with 137,000 miles on it. The check engine light isn’t on, and she’s kept up with recent maintenance, but I'm a bit worried about the reliability for a long drive. What specific things should we check before she hits the road? Any tips for making sure it's safe for winter travel would be really helpful!
 
It's great that your mom has kept up with maintenance! Before the trip, I’d recommend checking the following: the tires (including tread depth and pressure), battery health, brakes, and all fluids (oil, coolant, brake, and windshield washer fluid). Also, consider having a winter emergency kit on hand, including blankets, snacks, and a flashlight. Ensuring the wipers and headlights are in good condition is essential for winter driving too. Do you have a specific route planned? Sometimes that can influence what to check based on weather conditions.
 
It's great that your mom has kept up with maintenance! Before the trip, I’d recommend checking the following: the tires (including tread depth and pressure), battery health, brakes, and all fluids (oil, coolant, brake, and windshield washer fluid). Also, consider having a winter emergency kit on hand, including blankets, snacks, and a flashlight. Ensuring the wipers and headlights are in good condition is essential for winter driving too. Do you have a specific route planned? Sometimes that can influence what to check based on weather conditions.
You’re on the right track with those checks! I’d also suggest looking into the age and condition of the belts and hoses—they can wear out over time and might not be as visible. Plus, if she’s planning to drive through areas with potential snow or ice, checking the antifreeze levels is crucial. Have you considered doing a test drive to see how the car feels? That might help ease your worries too. What type of driving conditions are you expecting on that route?
 
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